The Michigan Drive-In Theatre Timeline is a year-by-year listings of drive-in openings, 
closings and events detailing the rise and fall of the 140-plus drive-in theatres 
that once operated in the State of Michigan. Also included are significant historical
events relating to Michigan, the automotive industry and some of Hollywoods offerings. 

1990
Open drive-in's include the Lenawee, Starlite (Benton Harbor), Lakes (Brighton), 
M-78, Tawas, Maple City, Bel-Aire (Monroe), Plainfield, Woodland, Galaxy (Mio), 
Mt.Clemens, Crest, Pontiac, Starlite (S.S.Marie), Twilite (Saginaw), Walake, 
Capri, Miracle Twin, US-23, Sunset (Hartford), 5-Mile, Ford-Wyoming, Cherry Bowl,
Hi-Way, Getty 4 and Cinema 2. The Jolly Roger, Pontiac, Wayne, Ft. George and 
Commerce all close during 1990.

1991
The Twilite in Saginaw closes. The Ford-Wyoming expands, with the opening of
screens 6-9. The M-78 loses its third screen, as it's removed to make way for
a new mulitplex to be built adjacent to the drive-in.

1992
National Amusements closes the M-78 in East Lansing and the Cascade in 
Grand Rapids. The M-78 is expected to be reopened in 1993, but it never 
does, the adjacent Super Cinemas multiplex opens in November 1992.

1993-95
The Capri, Cherry Bowl, Cinema 2, 5-Mile, Ford-Wyoming, Getty 4, 
Hi-Way, Miracle Twin, Mt.Clemens, Sunset and US-23 remain open.
The M-78 Drive-In is essentially abandoned and begins a long slow
death at the hands of vandals and the elements.

1996
The Mt. Clemens closes in August after the owner, Joseph Eilul, passes away. 
The property is sold and the drive-in is demolished. The lot is now occupied 
by Russ Milne Ford.

1997
The US-23 loses it's original wooden screen tower to a devastating late night
arson fire. Owner Lou Warrington doesn't miss a beat and quickly erects a 
replacement steel screen, which was salvaged from the South Dort Drive-In.

1997-1999
The Capri, Cherry Bowl, Cinema 2, 5-Mile, Ford-Wyoming,
Getty 4, Hi-Way, Miracle Twin, Sunset and US-23 remain open.

1998
In December of 1998, the original MICHIGAN DRIVE-IN THEATER GUIDE
website debuts online, it was the predecessor to this site.

NEXT: 2000's